No evidence of transmission so province’s schools stay open

Saskatchewan schools will remain open despite worldwide calls for social distancing in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Saskatchewan chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said Sunday the decision was made because the six positive cases in Saskatchewan are primarily travel-related, so there is no evidence of sustained community transmission at this time.

The criteria for closing schools is based on a number of factors, including evidence of sustained transmission within the community, rapid increase of local cases and transmission without a known link to travel or confirmed cases.

“The main focus has to be not going to school or work if you’re sick,” Shahab said.

At a news conference Sunday, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili called the decision to keep schools open a “controversial choice,” saying it’s not a question of if Saskatchewan schools will close, but when.

“What modelling exists that can give us an indication of how long it likely is until that school closure decision is made?” Meili asked.

He said the focus needs to be on preparedness and communication — ensuring that people have timely access to the most up-to-date information.

NDP education critic Carla Beck said her party is calling on the provincial government to ensure schools have adequate cleaning supplies and staffing levels for anyone calling in sick or needing to self-isolate.

Staff and students should have the right to be away from school without being marked as absent or having sick days deducted, Beck said, adding there should be supports for families who decide to take their children out of school.

Compensation also needs to be in place for staff members when schools close, Beck said.

In an emailed statement, the Education Ministry said it “is in constant contact with its sector partners to field questions and comments regarding pandemic planning. In addition to opportunities that include access to the chief medical health officer directly, there are regularly scheduled calls to determine local issues, needs and logistics that the province may be able to assist with.”